Fitness the key for Margaret River’s Tash Rigby as Perth Glory hit the South West for pre-season tune-up

Perth Glory captain Natasha Rigby says her side is aiming to be “the fittest in the comp” as the squad hits the South West to continue its gruelling pre-season schedule. It is the beginning of a new era for the freshly named A-League Women’s and the Glory are ready to make their mark after what the Margaret River star described as a “tough season”. “Pre-season has been hectic — it has been very, very challenging,” Rigby, pictured, said. “But it has been amazing in that it has been everything we need to be able to hit the ground running as the fittest team in the league. “We have a bit of a leaderboard system where you can win points by winning different fitness drills.” The Glory will host an open training session on Saturday in Rigby’s home-town, a place she said had played a major role in shaping her development. “I am so thankful we are able to get down to Margies and give back to the community that gave so much to me growing up,” she said. “The Margaret River Football Club was like a second home, so it will be so good to get back there.” The trip will be one of the final tune-ups for Alex Epakis’ side, less than a month out from its round one clash with Brisbane Roar. “We have now started focusing on the tactical and the technical side of things this week and in the coming weeks,” Rigby said. “We have got a few more girls yet to come, we are waiting on six or seven players ... then we will be fully ready to go.” The fullback was unveiled as the team’s captain again this season at a special function for the club’s 25th anniversary. “It is such an honour, I am so grateful for the opportunity again,” Rigby said. “We obviously had a bit of a tough season last season so I am so excited to work with Alex and the team and hit the ground running.” The Glory will host an open training session between 8am and 10am at Margaret River’s Lower Western Oval on Saturday, which will be followed by a chance for supporters to meet the players.